Snickers is one of the most popular chocolate bars in the world. With its rich combination of roasted peanuts, soft nougat, sticky caramel and a thick coating of creamy milk chocolate, it has become a go-to treat for anyone needing a quick burst of energy or a moment of sweet satisfaction. Whether it is tucked into a lunchbox, snapped up at a petrol station or plucked from a vending machine, Snickers is everywhere. But have you ever stopped to wonder who actually makes Snickers? The answer lies in one of the biggest and most influential companies in the world of confectionery.

The Mars Family Legacy

Snickers is made by Mars Incorporated, a privately owned American company with a long and fascinating history. The company was founded in 1911 by Frank C. Mars in Tacoma, Washington. Initially focused on producing buttercream candies, Mars later moved operations to Minneapolis, where Frank and his son Forrest developed some of the brand’s most iconic treats. By the 1930s, the Mars family had already introduced the Milky Way bar and was experimenting with a new chocolate bar that would eventually become Snickers.

The Birth of Snickers in 1930

Snickers was first introduced in the United States in 1930. It was named after the Mars family’s favourite horse, a rather unusual choice that ended up being one of the most memorable brand names in chocolate history. From the very beginning, Snickers was designed to be a more substantial, protein-rich bar thanks to the generous helping of roasted peanuts. It stood out from the crowd with its layered structure and satisfying crunch, quickly becoming a favourite among American consumers.

Snickers Around the World

Mars Incorporated is responsible for producing Snickers bars across the globe. It remains a family-owned company to this day and has grown into a multinational food and pet care giant. The Snickers bar is now manufactured in numerous locations worldwide, including factories in the United Kingdom, Australia, Russia and across the United States. In the UK, Mars operates a major facility in Slough, where many of its chocolate products, including Snickers, are produced for British and European markets.

A Global Chocolate Powerhouse

Mars Incorporated owns a vast portfolio of confectionery brands in addition to Snickers. These include Milky Way, Twix, Galaxy, Maltesers and M&M’s. The company is known not only for its scale but also for its secrecy. Despite being one of the largest privately owned companies in the world, Mars remains notoriously private, keeping much of its internal business away from the spotlight. What is known, however, is that it invests heavily in product consistency, quality control and global distribution to ensure that a Snickers bar bought in the UK tastes the same as one enjoyed in Canada or Thailand.

Sustainability and Production

Mars has made public commitments to improving the sustainability of its chocolate production. This includes sourcing cocoa through certified sustainable methods, improving traceability in its supply chains and investing in more ethical farming practices. While there is still a long road ahead in achieving fully sustainable chocolate across the board, Snickers is part of these larger goals and is likely to benefit from ongoing improvements in ingredients and packaging standards.

Final Thoughts

So, who makes Snickers? The answer is Mars Incorporated, a powerful name in the world of sweets, snacks and global food production. From its humble beginnings in the United States to its current status as a globally loved chocolate bar, Snickers has remained under the care of the Mars family’s legacy for nearly a century. With its unique blend of taste and texture, the bar continues to satisfy cravings and fuel busy lives, all thanks to one company’s commitment to producing a treat that truly delivers.